Pennisetum is a genus of approximately 120 species of rhizomatous or stoloniferous, clump- forming, annual and perennial grasses found in woodland and savanna in tropical, subtropical, and warm- temperate zones worldwide. They have linear leaves, and are grown for their feathery, spike-like panicles of clustered, oblong to lance-shaped spikelets, borne in summer and autumn, which are useful for both fresh and dried arrange­ments. Grow in a mixed, herbaceous, or annual border. Some self-seed readily and may become invasive in warmer areas.
Pennisetum alopecuroides (fountain grass) is a clump-forming, densely tufted, evergreen perennial grass with flat, linear, pointed, mid- to dark green leaves, 12-24in long. In summer and autumn, bears bristly, yellow-green to dark purple spikelets in cylindrical to narrowly oblong panicles, to 8in long.

Care Tips

Cultivation

Grow in preferably light, moderately fertile, well-drained soil in full sun. Cut back dead top- growth by early spring. Where not hardy, protect with a dry winter mulch.